Vitamin C is crucial in the formation of which connective tissue?

Vitamin C plays a vital role in the synthesis of collagen, which is the most abundant protein in the human body and a key component of connective tissues. Collagen provides structural support to various tissues, including skin, bones, cartilage, and blood vessels. It is synthesized through a process that requires Vitamin C for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine residues, which is essential for the stability and strength of the collagen triple helix structure.

Without adequate Vitamin C, collagen formation is impaired, leading to weakened connective tissues and potentially resulting in conditions such as scurvy, which is characterized by symptoms like joint pain, skin problems, and bleeding gums. The other options listed do not involve Vitamin C in their formation: elastin is a protein that gives elasticity to tissues; keratin is a structural protein found in hair and nails; and chitin is a polysaccharide found in the exoskeletons of arthropods, which also does not rely on Vitamin C for its synthesis.